Temple Institute Inaugurates Registry of Biblically Eligible Kohanim

The Temple Institute has announced a new initiative to identify, select and register kohanim who would be eligible to participate in the process of preparing the parah adumah.

This move signifies the second stage of the Institute’s project to restore the concept of Biblical purity into the world.

The institute says that even before the Bais Hamikdosh is rebuilt, the reinstatement of halachically approved kohanim is a prerequisite for preparation of the parah adumah, which will enable Klal Yisroel to perform numerous Torah-based commandments, such as challah and terumah.

It is not clear if the institute’s new project has any rabbinic approbation or support.

Potential candidates must have been born in Eretz Yisroel, born to a father of kohanic lineage. They must have exercised caution with regard to exposure to the Biblical impurity rendered by death. This includes those who were not born in a hospital and who have not visited hospitals or cemeteries.

Those kohanim whose status can be verified will be eligible to be among the first to participate in the renewal of various Torah commandments, including the preparation of the parah adumah, once a suitable candidate is found.

Rabbi Chaim Richman, international director of the Temple Institute, commented on this project: “This is a huge jump for the Temple Institute and a huge leap for the Jewish people. For the first time in 2,000 years after miraculously returning to the Land of Israel we are beginning the process of reinstating the Biblical purity of the Jewish priesthood. This is another bold move for our Institute, having already painstakingly prepared over 60 sacred vessels in preparation for the Third Temple. We proudly call upon all those who may fit the bill to contact the Temple Institute immediately.”

The Temple Institute has recreated over 60 keilim for use in the Third Bais Hamikdosh. Those keilim can be seen at their Visitors Center in the Old City of Yerushalayim.